How do I make sure that I avoid 'waffle' in my essay?

Keep referring back to the essay question!
If your essay question is about an author/playwright, for example:
How does Shakespeare present Lady MacBeth in Macbeth in the extract?How does Austen present happiness in marriage in Pride and Prejudice ?
Try to begin every THIRD sentence with the author/playwright's name to ensure that you are answering the question and prevent waffle!